Nation’s No. 8 safety’s interest in Alabama increases in the middle of an interview

HOUSTON — An interview with the nation’s No. 8 safety on Sunday took a quick turn in favor of Alabama.

The Crimson Tide did not sign any true safeties in the Class of 2016, a fact that Derrick Tucker, a four-star prospect from Manvel (Texas) High School, did not know.

“I did not know that at all,” Tucker told SEC Country at Nike’s The Opening regional camp in Houston. “That just put them up there a bit more now. It changes a lot for Alabama. They’re pushing their way to the top now.”

The 6-foot-3, 210-pounder said he plans on redshirting his first year at whichever school he attends because he ideally wants to get familiar with the program for a year and get bigger and stronger.

But once he found out that there was a possibility of seeing the field early at Alabama, his tune quickly changed on his plans of sitting out a year.

“Hey, if I need to play right away, I have no problem doing that either,” Tucker laughed.

The No. 15 prospect in the state of Texas says he communicates with Alabama defensive line coach Bo Davis, his primary recruiter, on a daily basis. Tucker said Davis is treating him like he’s a big priority for the Crimson Tide.

“Every morning he’s texting me to see how I’m doing,” Tucker said. “I would say we have a strong relationship.”

Tucker plans on visiting Alabama again this summer, and the Crimson Tide are one of the programs he listed as having high interest in, along with Texas, Houston and TCU.

When asked to say why he was interested in Alabama, another smile came across Tucker’s face.

“They put so many players in the league,” Tucker said. “They say if you go to Alabama, it’s a guarantee that you’ll make it to the league. That has a lot to do with my decision when it comes time to making it.”

All rankings are provided by the 247Sports composite unless otherwise noted.

Chris Kirschner covers Alabama football recruiting for SECCountry.com and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Follow him on Twitter for the latest on who’s on their way to play in Bryant-Denny.